The third installment in the Teeling Brabazon whiskey series is the result of a collaboration with a small family-owned bodega in Jerez that dates back to the 18th century. They don’t specify which distillery, but it got me thinking…
October 14th of 2016 I got an e-mail from Alex Chasko (master distiller at Teeling) on my SherryNotes address, asking my opinion of a certain bodega because they were thinking of buying some casks from a very old solera. I gave him my opinions and some background info, with the advice to buy these casks without hesitation.
I’m talking about a small family-owned bodega which were founded in 1729. Years later it turns out I had some influence in this Brabazon bottling… (or so I’d like to think).
Anyway the whiskey was first matured in ex-bourbon and had a finishing period of three years in these Pedro Ximénez casks.
Teeling Brabazon Bottling 03 14 yo (49,5%, OB 2020, Pedro Ximénez casks, 10.000 btl.)
Nose: clear sherry notes but in a very seductive and balanced way. Baked red apples, fragrant plums and floral honey. Whiffs of rose petals at the top end. Soft hints of chocolate and coffee underneath. Hints of cinnamon and roasted almonds as well.
Mouth: oily and rather fruity again, with poached pears, red apples again and hints of fresh, juicy figs. There’s a slight candied note (maybe raspberry candy). The PX is really well balanced here, never overtaking the spirit. Then there a greener, spicy theme, light mint. Some caramelized brown sugar, prunes and soft chocolate notes.
Finish: medium long, on oranges (or rather marmalade), mint, coffee and leafy notes.
A very nice result, the balance is just right and these casks (from a solera founded in 1918, I suppose) really add some nice flavours. The best Brabazon so far, in my opinion. Available from The Whisky Exchange, Master of Malt and other retailers of course.